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You put so much time and attention into improving and maintaining the skin on your face, it’s important to remember to also care for the delicate skin areas like your neck and chest, which can easily show the signs of aging. Factors like gravity, sun damage, or having an ample chest can contribute to, and accelerate, the appearance of aging on your neck and chest.

Read on about frequently asked questions regarding your décolletage. We hope to help you put the turtle neck away and make you proud to put your best chest forward.

How is the skin around our chest different than the skin on the rest of our body?

The skin on your chest is more susceptible to daily damage than other areas of our body because we often forget to provide protection. The skin in this area is also thinner than other areas of the body, so it is more prone to the signs of aging. Additionally, there are few products that address this area, and most cosmetic surgeons will say this is difficult to perform on this area due to the delicate skin.

The appearance of deep wrinkles on the neck and chest can be reduced with creams and serums. These treatments can tighten skin to help reduce the apparent depth of wrinkles and soften the appearance of fine lines.

I notice the skin on my chest has both dark spots (hyperpigmentation) and light spots (hypopigmentation). What does this mean and what can I do about it?

Dark spots, or hyperpigmentation, are caused by extra melanin or pigment in the skin due to sun exposure or aging. Light spots, or hypopigmentation, occur when pigment cannot be produced or is being inhibited. The easiest way to address both of these conditions is to help prevent them before they appear by making sure to always wear sunscreen, but should they occur you do have options to improve their appearance.

The best way to treat hyperpigmentation is with topical skin lightening treatments that contain ingredients like hydroquinone or melanin-inhibitors that reduce the production of pigment. Peels and in-office procedures are also great options for helping to create a more even skin complexion. Light spots are not as easy to treat. We suggest concealing them with makeup or individuals can bleach normal skin with topical creams to make a more even color.

Can I use my current face skin care regimen, including sunscreen, on my neck and chest, or do I need to use something different?

When it comes to daily maintenance, your everyday facial routine is probably suitable for your neck and chest, although I recommend including a targeted product which is designed for this application and is gentle enough to use nightly. Sunscreen should be applied to any area exposed to sunlight. You can use your everyday facial sunscreen.
Breast augmentations are becoming increasingly popular. But surgery is only half the battle. Should I treat my skin for pigmentation and the appearance of wrinkles before or after this type of surgery?

It’s appropriate to treat skin for the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots before and after procedures. However, it is important to discontinue use at least one week prior to the procedure and throughout the healing process as to not affect your results. It’s best to work with your physician to determine what is right for you.

Now that you’ve learned that the skin on your neck and chest is essentially an extension of the delicate skin on your face, you can give it the care and attention it needs to proudly show off that low cut shirt or new necklace with a flawless backdrop—your décolletage.